Community Economic Development Grant Program

THE APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED

THE COMMISSION’S COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT

(CEDG) PROGRAM PHASE ll

The Commission is now seeking applicants to voluntarily serve on the Funding Advisory Board (FAB) for its Community and Economic Development Grant Program funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Membership on the Funding Advisory Board (FAB) will consist of representatives from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), financial institutions, business enterprises, and community organizations. The FAB will provide strategic assistance and guidance to ensure success in meeting the program intended goal of expanding and creating African American owned businesses and to assist State agencies in developing programs, services, and public policies that will expand and enhance the social and economic well-being of African American families. The Commission is seeking well-qualified advisory board candidates with interest and experience in the following areas:

1. Community Organization Member – An individual with a record of accomplishment in community development, community organizing, and/or community economic development with experience in working for not –for-profit organizations that serve African American communities and neighborhoods. Understanding of and appreciation for urban issues related to disparities associated with poverty and race and facilitating collaborative strategies to address such issues. Experience in public/private partnerships, civic engagement, and working effectively across differences among multicultural organizations, groups and communities preferred.

2. Financial Institutions Member – An individual with background in promoting, supporting, and sustaining community economic development in urban communities serving African American businesses. Understanding of and appreciation for urban issues related to disparities associated with poverty and race and facilitating collaborative strategies to address such issues. In addition to demonstrated skills in community outreach, the candidate should have fundamental experience and knowledge of community banking and lending practices such as underwriting, investments, loans and loan servicing. The candidate should have experience working with both large and small business enterprises.

3. Business Enterprise Member – An individual with a history of developing, monitoring, and/or providing technical and programmatic assistance to minority- owned businesses or an individual entrepreneur (M/WBE) that has enjoyed a sustained level of success in the creation , growth and management of a business enterprise. Understanding of and appreciation for the challenges of creating and operating a small emerging business in an urban setting. Experience in business management, business financing, and/or business planning. Demonstrated success in navigating the M/WBE and small business environment to positively impact minority business outcomes, especially in African American communities. The candidate should have fundamental experience and knowledge of industry networks and related resource organizations.

If you meet the criteria as presented above, and are interested in volunteering to serve on this board, email us your resume or bio at webmail@aafc.org.

The Application Process (Now Closed)

Applications will be available online at starting January 5, 2015 at: www.aafc.org

Our Mission

The Illinois African American Family Commission develops, evaluates and advocates for public policies, plans, research and programs that will strengthen and preserve families, family economics, workforce participation, health status, safety, education and training, and quality of life for African Americans.

Our Vision

“The Illinois African American Family Commission is a catalyst that facilitates partnerships between government entities and communities to ensure a safe, healthy and secure environment for African American children and families, throughout the state of Illinois.”

Economic Development Grants for Small Businesses

The Commission has launched a new initiative to promote community development, job growth and job retention in under served communities! For more information, click here! This initiative is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.